ISS Research Competition Submissions Deadline October 31, 2012

KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FL. (October 22, 2012) - Space Florida, the State's spaceport authority and aerospace development organization, and NanoRacks, LLC, partnered to present the Space Florida International Space Station (ISS) Research Competition, announced on September 5, 2012. Completed (Final) Competition Proposals/Papers are due by 5:00 p.m. (EDT) on October 31, 2012 via info@spaceflorida.gov.

As part of this program, NanoRacks will provide up to eight NanoLab Payload Box Units to the ISS, holding scientific research that will be conducted on board the U.S. National Lab. These units will be transported within the SpacexX Dragon Capsule on an upcoming Falcon 9 flight. Space Florida will cover the costs of research payload transportation to the ISS for the eight winning applicants.

The Space Florida ISS Research Competition is designed to inspire innovation and enable unique research opportunities and access for customers to the ISS. Breakthroughs in material and life sciences, environmental monitoring, complex drugs and other consumer items enabled by space-based research benefit a broad range of emerging markets for government, commercial and academic customers. Research proposals will be reviewed and judged by an independent and scientifically qualified team, based on commercial viability and overall benefit to mankind.

On October 5, Space Florida and NanoRacks held a preparatory workshop for participants. The workshop highlight videos can be viewed on our YouTube channel: http://bit.ly/issrc2012.

"We anticipate additional high caliber entries by the October 31st deadline from researchers, scientists and international companies as a result of this competition," said Space Florida President Frank DiBello. "We look forward to seeing all of the research proposals and learn more about how entrants plan to take advantage of this one of a kind opportunity to conduct groundbreaking research in the unique environment of space."

To register for the competition and to view rules and regulations, timelines, judging criteria and technical support details, visit www.spaceflorida.gov/iss-research-competition. Winners will be notified by November 30, 2012.

For other questions about the competition, contact Tony Gannon at 321-730-5301 ext. 230 or via email at tgannon@spaceflorida.gov.

About Space Florida: Space Florida was created to strengthen Florida's position as the global leader in aerospace research, investment, exploration and commerce. As Florida's spaceport authority and aerospace development organization, we are committed to attracting and expanding the next generation of space industry businesses. With its highly trained workforce, proven infrastructure and unparalleled record of achievement, Florida is the ideal location for aerospace businesses to thrive - and Space Florida is the perfect partner to help them succeed. www.spaceflorida.gov.